A little shimmer of hope sheds on England’s face as they square off against Costa Rica today, June 24.

In the starting days of the Brazil World Cup 2014, Costa Rica looked like an outcast in Group D, or the Group of Death. All the contenders in the group have been World Cup champions-England, Uruguay, and Italy.

Everyone got surprised when Costa Rica managed to win against Uruguay for their opener. But then again, star player Luis Suarez was absent during that game, so everyone, too, assumed it was just coincidence and good luck.

However, Costa Rica proved their speculators wrong as they won again against Italy last June 20. Everyone is now made aware of the progress the team has made, they meant business this time. And they delivered it.

The last time Costa Rica came as far as the second round was in 1990. But they got booted out easily just after a 4-1 loss to Czechoslovakia then.

“We have repeated history, but we want to be immortalized, because that’s what it’s all about,” said midfielder Celso Borges. “We want to continue to make indelible memories for the people of Costa Rica. I think they deserve it.”

Moreover, Coach Jorge Luis Pinto said, “For the match against England, we will make some changes, because of the necessity to give a rest to several players, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to take it easy in the last group match … We will be looking to win.”

On the other hand, England have never even won a game in for this year’s World Cup. This has been their worst performance in sixty years. The last time they failed to qualify for the Round of 16 is at 1958.

However, this match can be a ray of little redemption to their team. Hodgson said, “Results color everyone’s judgment and I am certainly happy with the way the players have prepared for these games,”

“I am happy with the effort they have put in, but we have played two experienced and strong teams and on both occasions we have come second.”